Summer is race season and it’s not just grownups that can sprint to the finish line. From downtown to the ‘burbs, you’ll find a whole host of fun runs that welcome the entire family. We laced up our sneaks and set out to find the best kid-friendly walks and runs happening in the Des Moines area. Here’s a rundown of our favorites.
Editor’s Note: Always double-check event dates and times, and in case of inclement weather, be sure to visit the organization’s website or check their social media outlets for updates.
To find even more things to do this summer visit our Calendar or Summer Fun Guide.
Check out these family friendly walks, runs and races happening this summer in Des Moines:
June
Capital City Pride Stride 5k & Capital City Pride Little Rainbow Run
350 E. Locust Street for 5k & Pridefest Community and Main Stages for kid’s run – Des Moines
June 10, 2023
5K Run & Kids Dash
Rip Roar Des Moines Triathlon
Gray’s Lake – Des Moines
June 24, 2023
Juniors, Intermediates, Seniors
July
Waukee Freedom 5K
Lutheran Church of Hope – Waukee
July 4, 2023
5K Run, 1-Mile Kids Fun Run
Urbandale 4th of July 5k
Walker Johnston Park – Urbandale
July 4, 2023
5K Run, 1-Mile Kids Fun Run, Tot Trot
Rip Roar West Des Moines Triathlon
Raccoon River Park – West Des Moines
July 8, 2023
Juniors, Intermediates, Seniors
Clive Running Festival
Clive Festival – Clive
July 15, 2023
10K, 5K, 1-Mile Fun Run, Tadpole Trot
Polk County Clover Dash
Iowa State Fair Grounds – Des Moines
July 16, 2023
5K Run, Tot Trot
Ankeny Youth Triathlon
Cascade Falls Aquatic Center – Ankeny
July 15, 2023
Short Course, Long Course
August
Adel Sweet Corn Festival 5K
City Streets – Adel
August 12, 2023
5K Run/Walk, Kids’ Fun Run
Mayor’s Run for the Trails
Crown Point Community Center – Johnston
August 12, 2023
5K, Kids’ Fun Run
Get Your Rear in Gear
Raccoon River Park – West Des Moines
August 26, 2023
10K Run, 5K Run/Walk, Kids’ Fun Run, Tot Trot
September
Greater Des Moines Women’s Half Marathon & 5K
Greater Downtown Des Moines
September 17, 2023
Half Marathon, 5K
Blue Believers – Prostate Cancer Run/Walk
Principal Park – Des Moines
September 23, 2023
5K Run/Walk, 1 Mile Walk, Kids’ Fun Run
Does your family enjoy walking or running? What’s your favorite fun run race in the metro?
